Leary, Sandbothe Honored by Big Ten

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Senior Kaitlyn Leary and freshman Taylor Sandbothe each were recognized by the Big Ten for their efforts this season, the league announced Tuesday. Leary earned All-Big Ten honorable mention, while Sandbothe was voted to the Big Ten All-Freshman team.

The honorable mention honor is the second-consecutive for Leary. The outside hitter was among the league's best in kills, averaging 4.57 per set in Big Ten matches. She also was among the best in points per set with a 4.84 average. In league matches only, Leary finished 338 kills and was second on the team with 167 digs. The Parma, Ohio, native totaled double-digit kills in all but two matches against league opponents and finished with 10 double-doubles.

Sandbothe proved to be one of the conference's top freshmen throughout the regular season. The middle blocker finished second on the team with 193 kills in Big Ten play for a 2.61 average, totaling 10 double-digit kill performances. Highlighting her season was her defensive presence at the net as she finished ninth in the conference with a 1.07 blocking average over conference foes. Overall, the Lee's Summit, Mo., product finished Big Ten play with 79 total blocks (14s, 65a) and was second on the team with a 3.30 points average.

Sophomore Andrea Kacsitswas given the team's Big Ten Sportsmanship award. The Rockford, Mich., product started every match this season at middle blocker and finished second on the squad with a .69 blocking average in Big Ten play with 10 solo blocks and 41 block assists.